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The task at hand on will not be easy. But you have mandated us to change South Africa from a country in which the majority lived with little hope, to one in which they can live and work with dignity, with a sense of self-esteem and confidence in the future. The cornerstone of building a better life of opportunity, freedom and prosperity is the Reconstruction and Development Programme. This needs unity of purpose. It needs in action. It requires us all to work together to bring an end to division, an end to suspicion and build a nation united in our diversity.

Nelson Mandela#38

UnityDevelopmentNationNation buildingReconstructionCooperation

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mandela calls for national unity and collective action to rebuild South Africa through the Reconstruction and Development Programme.
In plain terms
Building a better future requires everyone working together without division.
What can you take from it?
Unity and joint action are essential for national reconstruction.

Where it applies

  • post-conflict society
  • nation-building
  • economic recovery

Putting it to work

  • unite behind goals
  • work together
  • focus on development

Questions to consider

  • How do you build unity in a divided society?
  • What role does shared purpose play in progress?

Another view

Unity is difficult to maintain when deep social divisions and distrust persist.

More from Nelson Mandela

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  2. The people of South Africa have spoken in these elections. They want change! And change is what they will get. Our plan is to create jobs, promote peace and re…

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  3. In 1980s the African National Congress was still setting the pace, being the first major political formation in South Africa to commit itself firmly to a Bill …

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